Talk of the Town [Paperback]

Lisa Wingate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2008

A charming tale of small-town Texas with a twist of romance as the producer of a reality show attempts to keep secrets from the locals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the place and the characters stuck with me.... You can't ask anything more from a novel." -- Jennifer Donovan, 5MinutesforMom.com

"A story of overcoming the odds with a corral full of laughs, Talk of the Town is delightful to read." -- Ane Mulligan, NovelReviews.blogspot.com

"Lisa Wingate's entrancing story was a delight to read." -- RomanceDesigns.com

"Talk of the Town is just the ticket for those looking for a light hearted and humorous read." -- Rel Mollet, TitleTrakk.com

"The story is modern but the characters are traditional, and that makes the reader feel right at home." -- Susan Cronk, curledup.com

"This lively tale of Hollywood getting its comeuppance is sure to delight." -- Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.org

"Wingate (Tending Roses) pens a light and entertaining story of life in a small town with Texas-sized charm." -- Publisher's Weekly

From the Back Cover

"People are going to talk, alright, and the conversation is going to be about Talk of the Town. Lisa Wingate writes engaging stories that strike the heart. God has gifted her with a marvelous talent and I, for one, am most grateful." --Debbie Macomber, New York Times #1 bestselling author

"Offers up a blue-plate special of romance, humor, and a rollicking good time. I absolutely loved it...." --Deeanne Gist, bestselling author of Courting Trouble

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House; Reprinted edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764204904
• ISBN-13: 978-0764204906
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (86 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #585,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lisa Wingate is a magazine columnist, inspirational speaker, and the author of a host of mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, which is currently in its fourteenth reprint. Her books have been featured selections for Doubleday and Literary Guild book clubs, selected for The Reader's Club of America, and have garnered LORIES Best Fiction and Reader's Choice Awards, and been nominated for the ACFW Book of the Year Award. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa loves sharing with readers via Facebook, Youtube, and her website. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOL! Lots of laughs and an excellent story..., February 6, 2008

By 

Jandi Oliah (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talk of the Town (Paperback)

I bought this book last Friday and started reading it on the T. I laughed so hard, I'm sure people around me thought I was nuts. I finished the entire thing over the weekend, because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Every chapter seemed to end in a cliffhanger that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. Lisa Wingate is a great author, and this story is so contemporary, having to do with a show like American Idol, and the ups and downs of a reality TV life, and the culture clash when the reality TV people, press, and paparazzi swarm to a small town.

I loved every one of the people in the story. They were all unique and each one of them seemed like a real person you could meet anywhere (OK, maybe not JUST anywhere) and would enjoy talking to. I could hear the rhythm of the language of this little Texas town, and I could appreciate the fact that, even while being tempted by fame and fortune, they do the right thing for one of their own. I thought it was especially touching that the young singing star, Amber Anderson, doesn't turn out to be what you'd think she would be.

I'm very glad I picked up this book. No disappointments here. I can absolutely see why other authors endorsed it so enthusiastically, and why all the glowing reviews. This story shines. Wingate is a great writer. I agree with one of the reviews that said the religious elements were done in a subtle way, which I like. I don't think a book needs to preach at you or hit you over the head to make a good point. My grandfather was a pastor, and his message was gentle, never condescending or critical, which made him successful with people. He didn't turn people off, he drew them in.

This story draws you in. It makes a good point about the ways God can make use of someone's life, even if that person has flaws, the way society looks at morality, and the way people should act toward each other according to the Golden Rule. Any book that can do all that and still make you laugh until people stare at you definitely deserves five stars!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC READ IN EVERY WAY!!! FIVE STARS PLUS TWO!, February 4, 2008

By 

SHERRY - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Talk of the Town (Paperback)

I am a lover of books of all types, reading at least one per week, and sometimes more. I read in all genres, everything from Christian fiction to non-fiction. Talk of the Town was one of the best reads I've come upon in a long time. The story was fresh and engaging. It begins with the arrival of American Megastar assistant producer, Mandalay Florentino, in the the tiny Texas town of Daily. Mandalay, who's not a small-town girl herself, has a tough job to do, arranging for the surprise "reveal" concert of a local girl, Amber Anderson, who has made the semi-finals on American Megastar. Little does Mandalay now, it's not almost impossible to keep anything on the "QT" in Daily, where, as Imagene says, the cafe spreads news faster than "chaff in a brisk wind."

From the minute Mandalay arrives in Daily, laughs begin. The chapters alternate almost seamlessly from the point of view of Mandalay to the point of view of local widow, Imagene Doll, often leaving the reader in suspense at the end of each chapter. The book kept me up late into the night many times, the surest sign of a good read. Being older myself, I found Imagene's story, her depression and grief, realistic and sympathetic. I could relate to her difficulty getting back into life after the loss of her husband. One of the things that impressed me most about Wingate's writing was her ability to blend both laughter and grief. The spectrum of emotions coexists realistically on her pages, and the friendly, quirk-filled citizens of Daily are fun and realistic. They show a sense of community spirit and concern for each other that makes you want to move to their town. The Christian element was well-handled, subtle, and not preachy.

All-in-all, this book is just plain fun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this laugh-out-loud, tender, sweet, inspiring read. GREAT BOOK!!!

29 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lisa Wingate's Talk of the Town is an outstanding book!, February 7, 2008

By 

Ed Stevens - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talk of the Town (Paperback)

"Talk of the Town" is one of the best books I've read! I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. It is an exciting, interesting and funny story of how a reporter, her boss, town people with various experiences, and a very talented young person deals with fame. One of the qualities I love about all of Lisa Wingate's writings is her ability to weave life enhancing information throughout the story.

As an example, "It's not your life Mandalay, it's just your job; there's a difference." Here we learn an important and easily applied lesson on how to deal with job related stress. Another "Quit fighting the sails & let the wind move the boat. Drift on faith for awhile." This one has many teachings, one of which is take a break and regroup while you enjoy your blessings.

"In Talk of the Town," Amber is the young lady who is thrown into the world of the paparazzi and fame so quickly that it's difficult for her to cope. Her privacy is lost. The story deals with how she copes. A beautiful, tactfully written love story adds to the excitement to make this an outstanding book. Lisa Wingate's "Talk of the Town" is already a best seller for me! I highly recommend it to everyone!

This book has all the characteristics needed for a great movie. I can't wait to see it playing in theaters across the country!

Ed